Life in the Past Lane

Official blog of award-winning romantic historical and military fiction author Jessica James

For the Epilogue to SHADES OF GRAY, Go HERE. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” – From a headstone in Ireland Andrea Hunter stared at the back of the boy—young man really—as he leaned against the white column on the...

Please vote for Best of Gettysburg - and send around to your friends.I'd like to get as much input as possible! You may not be able to answer each and every question, but I'm hoping for at least 10 answers on each questionnaire.You can leave answers as a comment to...

Hard to believe that we are still making discoveries about the Civil War when we are just months away from commemorating the 150th anniversary of its start. The latest discovery is the deciphering of a message in a bottle that was intended for a Confederate general.In...

For those who are not familiar with the young Confederate officer John Pelham, I thought I'd do a short post on one of his actions in Fredericksburg, Va. A Major of artillery at the age of 24, Pelham kept Union General William Franklin's infantry (16,000 of them)...

I just got around to downloading video from my book signing event at beautiful Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Va. that took place during the Cedar Creek Battle re-enactment in October. As you can see, the kitchen workers were preparing a full meal that included...

Some readers may not be aware that you can purchase a signed copy of my award-winning historical fiction novels Noble Cause or Shades of Gray directly through me for just $20, plus $3 shipping.I'll even gift wrap your purchase for you!Contact me...

Rufous Hummingbird in GettysburgI spent Saturday morning watching a "bird bander" put a band on my little hummingbird that arrived at my feeder on Nov. 19. He was also measured, weighed and identified as a male Rufous from the Rocky Mountain area. Apparently these...

I had a great time signing my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray at the American Civil War Center in Gettysburg on Saturday as part of the annual Remembrance Day festivities in Gettysburg. I met many wonderful people from New York, New Jersey, and Ohio,...

What a beautiful weekend is in store for us in Gettysburg, Pa.! It's Remembrance Day weekend and I think the weather is actually going to cooperate for a change.For those who are not familiar, Nov. 19 is the anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (1863), and it's...

Join me on my Magical Holiday History Tour set for the first two weeks of December. There will be lots of prizes including a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card and a signed copy of Noble Cause.Nov. 11 and Nov. 16: Though not officially part of the tour, this is a fun...